A clearer view on biology

Scientists develop a tool that sharpens up microscope images. The laboratory has developed a new computational tool that makes images obtained with cutting-edge microscopes even sharper. Since the Single Plane Illumination Microscope [SPIM] was developed it turned into one of the most powerful tools in cell biology. SPIM allows scientists to study large, living specimen along many different angles, under real conditions and with minimal harm to the specimen. Snapshots of the specimen obtained in different planes along different directions and at varying time points are assembled into three-dimensional images or movies, which provide insights into the dynamic cellular processes of a living organism. A deconvolution algorithm now greatly improves the resolution of SPIM. This development provides new opportunities for studying sub-cellular processes in large living specimen.